Publication Type: Conference Paper/Unpublished Manuscript
Abstract: The transition from adolescence to adulthood is an important and sometimes difficult time in the life course. If this transition is negotiated successfully, it has positive consequences for subsequent adult life. Yet, adolescent drug use often obstructs the achievement of positive adult functioning and increases the risk for continued substance abuse in adulthood. This paper examines the relationships between adolescent substance use, the successful transition to adulthood, and adult drug abuse and dependence. We identify eight dimensions of successful adult development and measurable indicators for each. Using data from a prospective, longitudinal study, we find that at age 24 about half of the sample has made the transition successfully along almost all dimensions, 42 percent in many dimensions, and 8 percent in very few dimensions. Regression analyses show that adolescent drug use (age 13-18) decreases the likelihood of successfully transitioning to adulthood and increases the chance of alcohol and drug abuse and dependence by age 24. The successful transition to adulthood has an indirect effect on continued substance abuse and dependence at age 27 through its negative association with substance abuse and dependence at age 24.

Publication Type: Conference Paper/Unpublished Manuscript
Abstract: Correctional Service Canada has developed and implemented a multi-stage programming model for women offenders to address the issue of substance abuse among this population. Women Offender Substance Abuse Programming (WOSAP) offers a continuum of interventions including Engagement and Education (E & E), Intensive Therapeutic Treatment (ITT), and Relapse Prevention and Maintenance (RPM). The purpose of this project was to compare recidivism (return to custody) among women who participated in the Intensive Therapeutic Treatment module of WOSAP to recidivism among women who participated in other aspects of programming and with women from an historical period. Findings show that women who participate in WOSAP (ITT, E&E and/or RPM) and who successfully complete community Relapse Prevention and Maintenance (RPM) are less likely to be returned to custody within a 12-month follow-up period. Those women who do not complete community RPM or drop-outs of the program are at significantly greater risk of being returned to custody.

Publication Type: Conference Paper/Unpublished Manuscript
Abstract: Previous studies have noted the association between substance use and a host of consequences for adolescent behavior. However, only a very few have examined the linkages between substance use and adolescent attitudes. Using a nationally representative sample of high school students, this study analyzes the relationship between substance use patterns and adolescents' expectations concerning marriage and marital stability. Alcohol, marijuana, and cocaine use are all shown to have deleterious effects upon marital expectations, yet the effects vary across the different substances. Both adolescents' own use, as well as the substance use patterns of their friends, are shown to be predictive of expectations about the stability of their own future marriages. Overall, the findings suggest that substance use, and particularly heavier patterns of usage and the use of harsher substances, may hinder the ability of adolescents to formulate normative conceptualizations about future marriage and family roles. The discussion of the results addresses the potential complications of adolescent substance use for other youth expectations for adult roles.

Publication Type: Abstract
Abstract: Objectives: To identify curricular efforts and gaps related to students' substance abuse knowledge, skills, and attitudes at the University of the Sciences in Philadelphia (USP). Methods: A survey was developed using SurveyMonkey© and distributed to 170 full-time USP faculty members. It evaluated whether substance abuse was included in the courses taught, which department delivered these specific courses, and the extent to which the content focused on substance abuse knowledge versus related skills, techniques, and attitudes.
Results: Seventy-four responses (43.5%) were received. Nineteen responders (25.7%) noted teaching one or more courses in the past year that included elements of substance abuse. Of these, nine (47.4%) were within the Philadelphia College of Pharmacy (PCP). Alcohol and illicit drugs were included in 89% of the courses, while prescription drug abuse and nicotine and tobacco were underrepresented. Substance abuse skills including the provision of patient education, screening techniques, and intervention techniques for both patients and peers were included in fewer than 23% of the courses. Addressing attitudes towards substance abuse was also underrepresented. The teaching methods most frequently used, didactic/lecture, supported the primary content of the courses, information focusing on the chemistry and pharmacology of substances of abuse. The majority of respondents agreed with their professional organization’s (95.9%) and USP-based (88.7%) substance abuse policies.
Implications: Training modules and courses should be developed to teach pharmacy students about substance abuse specific skills, techniques, and attitudes related to patient education, patient/peer intervention, and the process of recovery. This will enhance their personal and professional development.

Publication Type: Conference Paper/Unpublished Manuscript
Review Method: Peer Reviewed
Abstract: The exploitation of illicit economies, such as the illicit drug economy, has become an important feature of terrorism and many other military conflicts. But the current counter-narcoterrorism chic is too simplistic. Although belligerent groups do gain vast financial benefits from their participation in the illicit economy, they gain much more from their sponsorship of the illicit economy. Based on the cases of Peru, Colombia, Afghanistan, Burma, and Northern Ireland, the analysis will show that belligerents also gain freedom of operation, and crucially, significant political capital with the local population. The conditions that influence the size and the scope of the belligerents’ gains from the illicit economy include a) the state of the overall economy; b) the character of the illicit economy; c) the presence of thuggish traffickers; and d) government response to the illicit economy. Far from being highly complimentary to the effort to defeat the belligerents, government efforts to suppress the illicit economy are frequently counterproductive to counterterrorism/ counterinsurgency objectives.